Investigation Into Assault, Possible Cover-Up Under Way

Two Arvada police officers have been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of an internal investigation looking into allegations of inappropriate conduct by members of the department.

A total of five Arvada police officers have resigned: three related to the incidents under investigation and two others related to separate internal personnel matters.

One focus of the investigation is an allegation that an officer struck a suspect in January. In addition, there has been an allegation that one or more officers witnessed the incident and failed to report it to their superiors.

The Arapahoe County Sheriffs Office has been asked to conduct a simultaneous investigation to determine if any criminal charges should be filed in the matter.

The incident is part of an ongoing internal investigation related to possible violations of departmental policies and procedures.

"The Arvada Police Department will not tolerate excessive use of force, untruthfulness, or any other actions of inappropriate conduct," said Arvada Police Chief Don Wick. "If the investigations find violations did occur, I will take the necessary action to assure the community of our commitment to fair, legal, and impartial law enforcement, and to ensure our officers continue to respond to the needs of our citizens with the highest degree of integrity and professionalism.

The names of the officers were not released and details of the alleged incident were not released because of the active internal and criminal investigations.